John Haliburton, the father of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, was previously banned from attending Pacers games due to an incident following Indiana's Game 5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. However, in a recent turn of events, the Pacers have lifted the ban, allowing John to attend home games, beginning with Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The initial ban stemmed from a confrontation between John Haliburton and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. After the Pacers clinched the series win, John reportedly went onto the court and directed comments toward Antetokounmpo, with some accounts stating that he held a towel with his son's image in front of the Bucks player. This led to a heated exchange, which the Pacers organization deemed inappropriate.
Following the incident, the Pacers front office engaged in conversations with both John and Tyrese Haliburton. The decision was made to bar John from attending both home and road games for the "foreseeable future." John Haliburton accepted the decision and issued a public apology, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging that they did not reflect well on the sport or his son. Tyrese Haliburton also addressed the situation, stating that he understood the league's position.
Despite the ban, John Haliburton remained a vocal supporter of his son and the Pacers. He was seen at a local Indianapolis bar, cheering on Tyrese and celebrating the team's successes during their playoff run. He even mimicked Reggie Miller's famous "choke" celebration after Tyrese hit a game-tying shot against the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the Pacers advanced further into the playoffs, calls grew louder for John Haliburton to be allowed back at games. NBA legend Charles Barkley publicly advocated for the ban to be lifted, arguing that John had been punished enough and should be able to watch his son play. Tyrese himself joined the chorus, humorously calling to "free my pops until it's backwards."
Ultimately, the Pacers organization relented, announcing that John Haliburton would be permitted to attend home games, starting with Game 4 against the Knicks. However, certain stipulations were put in place: John will be seated in a suite rather than courtside, and he will not be allowed to travel to road games. This decision aims to strike a balance between allowing John to support his son in person while minimizing the risk of further incidents.
The reversal of the ban has been met with widespread approval from fans and media. Many see it as a recognition of the importance of family support, particularly during high-pressure situations like the NBA playoffs. The Pacers organization hopes that John Haliburton's presence at home games will provide an emotional boost to Tyrese and the team as they continue their quest for an NBA championship.
